Whether you’re a bow or rifle hunter, the Bushveld will always be one of the most iconic African hunting destinations. Its breathtaking landscape, with its red sand, tall grass, acacia trees and various animals grazing, will all become a permanent imprint in your memories. African Barefoot Safaris offers endless hunting options. You can hunt many plains game species, big game, dangerous game, critters, birds and even add some night hunting.
They pride themselves in hunting top quality animals. The team of professional hunters are extremely knowledgeable and enjoy sharing in your entire safari experience. Whether hosting clients for a plains game hunt or dangerous game, they are equally invested. They offer specialised hunts and colour variants on many of the plains game species. The springbuck, Impala or Wildebeest slam is always a very challenging hunt, but extremely satisfying to have under your belt. The spiral horn slam includes Bushbuck, Nyala, Kudu and Eland. These are some of the most amazing trophies available.
ABS hosts groups or individuals that bow and/or rifle hunt. You do not have to be an experienced hunter to hunt with them. Their professional hunters will be able to help you set up (either with your bow, crossbow or a rifle) and guide anyone, including children through a successful hunt.
The best time of year for rifle hunting is March – October which is the dry season. Bow hunters should opt for June-September and avoid booking over the full moon. Bow hunting is done from permanent blinds over waterholes.
It’s important to note that African animals’ anatomy differs greatly from North American animals. Shot placement is absolutely vital to any successful hunt. We recommend you acquire “The perfect shot: Mini Edition for Africa” by Kevin Robertson. Available from Cabela’s, Amazon, Bass Pro Shop and more. While in Africa, aim up the front leg on the shoulder for a broadside shot. When quartering away aim for the opposite front leg. Your professional hunter will make sure you know where to aim and when to take the shot.
Some species require permits. African Barefoot safaris will arrange all permits prior to your arrival and make sure all the paperwork is in order for export. They also assist clients with rifle importation. For your convenience you may also rent a variety of different calibre hunting rifles from them.
African Barefoot Safaris will arrange transportation. This includes airport transfer, hunting vehicles and transport for other activities and side tours.
They also make sure that your animals are skinned correctly and field prepped for taxidermy. Clients have the option to visit the taxidermy, to make sure the selected or custom mounts are the most realistic representation of your epic hunt.
All food and drinks are provided at the lodge. Lunch packs and cooler boxes are packed daily for your convenience. If you are able to harvest an animal, the African Barefoot Chef can prepare and cook it.
Friends and family are welcome to join the hunter as observers on the safari. Click here for other activities. The lodge’s safe and relaxing environment is a great break away for any one. You can catch up on some reading or enjoy seeing the animals in their natural habitat.
Most nights are spent winding down around the campfire. Stories of the day are told with game meat roasting on the coals. Sit back and enjoy an ice cold beer or some of the best local wine. There is something mesmerising about the canopy of breath-taking stars in the African sky.
Bow hunters have the privilege to hunt on a bow-hunt-only property that has been operated as such, since the 80’s. Hunting from a blind with a bow will give you nearly a 100% success rate. The success rates drop to a mere 10-15% if you attempt to walk and stalk.
As an ethical operation they ensure your bow set up is perfect before you go into the hunting field. The main lodge offers a shooting range to check that all equipment is in working order after travelling. The team is equipped to adjust and tune bows as needed. Reon and the team have extensive bow knowledge and can confidently assist where needed.
Typically bow hunters will get up around 7am and shoot some arrows before breakfast. A full hot breakfast is served around 8 am, after which clients are dropped at the blinds. Each client will receive a lunch pack, water, soda and a radio. Clients take their own hunting gear and camera equipment. The animals are usually very active as soon as it starts to warm up between 9am and 11am. After an animal has been shot, it is called in to the recovery team. The professional hunter, trackers (and in some cases tracking dogs) help with recovery. After capturing the memory with a few photos, the hunter will either return to the same blind or be relocated to a new blind. Golden hour as we know it, is from 4:30 pm until dark. Therefore, clients stay in the blinds until just after dark. Some species might only be seen this late in the afternoons. After you have been picked up, you will return to camp where dinner will be ready. Most nights are spent at the campfire, sharing stories of the day.
The 8 permanent blinds are placed strategically on the property to offer a variety of scenery and species. They also have 4 concessions with additional blinds, on the neighbouring properties. This is good for a change of scenery and to make sure there is no blind pressure on the blinds. All the blinds are large enough to accommodate two people. The blinds have versatile shooting space and an opening for your camera. They are comfortable, quiet and built for maximum scent control. These are well constructed permanent blinds that have been designed by a bow hunter for a bow hunter.
The elevated blinds are named Impala blind and Pig’s Paradise. The thatch roofing gives a uniquely African feel. The elevation assists with shot placement, especially with species that love to string jump.
Wildebeest and Leopard blinds are pit blinds, with Leopard blind being the veteran. It has been standing in the same spot for the last 40 years.
We also have two blinds close to the mountain that are constructed out of rock to blend into the surroundings. Mountain Reedbuck and Klipspringer blinds are comfortable, quiet and nicely hidden amongst rocks and trees.
Bushbuck blind is well known for shooting baboon and the occasional spotting of a leopard or brown hyena. This is a ground blind but the hunter also has the option to try out the tree stand in the old Tamboti tree.
Last but not least, Duiker blind is a permanent building in a sandy area of the property. Although you can see any specie at any of the blinds, Duiker is well known for Eland, Gemsbuck, Waterbuck and Duiker
Pop up blinds are a great extension of these permanent blinds. They come in handy with species that are either nocturnal or do not need to drink water on a daily basis.
All blinds allow for a 10-25 yard shot. If you want to get up close and personal with the most majestic animals of Africa, this is the way to do it. You can literally see a Giraffe no more than 5 yards from you. Observers enjoy a day in the blind just as much as the hunters. Spending a day in the blind will give you a great opportunity at taking some breathtaking photographs of the animals and birds.
You do have the option to walk and stalk. This is a completely different ball game, with a very low success rate. The bush is dense and the animals are extremely alert. The territory makes getting a clear shot, even after a successful stalk, highly unlikely. Make sure you have a full ghielie suit and can shoot accurately to 60 yards. Make sure you arrange this prior to your arrival as it is a one on one hunt and not available on package or discount hunts.
Compound Bow – Small game and birds
A minimum of 38 Pounds draw weight is required.
The arrow must be at least 400 grains with a well-constructed two blade broadhead, for example Kudu points or Iron Will broadheads.
Compound Bow – Plains game
A minimum of 40 pounds draw weight
The arrow must be at least 420 grains or more.
Use a well-constructed fixed blade or mechanical broadhead.
Make sure your bow is sighted in with this set up.
Compound Bow – Big / Dangerous game
A minimum of 70 pounds draw weight.
The arrow must be at least 720 grains or more.
Use a well constructed fixed blade. Look at Kanaka, Iron Will or Grizzlystik Alaskan Broadheads.
Make sure your bow is sighted in with this set up.
Crossbow
You are welcome to bring your own crossbow or rent one from African Barefoot Safaris. The bolts should be well-constructed with a fixed two blade or a well-constructed mechanical broadhead.
Longbow
A minimum of 50 pounds draw weight
The arrow must be at least 500 grain with a well-constructured 2 blade broadhead
Travelling with your bow is easy. You do not need any documentation as it is classified as archery sporting equipment. Please make sure to label your bow case as such. You can bring as many arrows and broadheads as you like. Broadheads must be packed in your checked luggage
*Note: No broadheads are allowed through Amsterdam. If you are planning to travel through Europe please arrange prior to arrival, so that they can acquire broadheads on your behalf.
With such a wide variety of species that can be hunted, the Bushveld is one of the most exciting hunting destinations in the world. While hunting in the bush, you never know what you will see next. It might be anything from a tiny Steenbuck, to a massive Cape Buffalo.
Rifle hunting is done spot and stalk style. Your shot can be anything from 20-150 yards. The dense bushes, tall grass and acacia trees limit your visibility. Your hunting skills will be tested. With a great guide and good shot placement, the hunter will prevail.
Breakfast is usually served around 5:30/6am, after which you head out hunting. The professional hunter and tracker will find tracks of the animals you’re looking for. After finding fresh tracks you will leave the hunting truck and start the stalk. Your professional hunter will guide you to get a good shot. He will talk you through shot placement, which animal will be the best one to hunt and also make sure that there are no other animals/branches or obstacles in the way. You will follow up the shot. After a successful hunt and photographs taken, the animals will be taken to the skinning shed and you will continue hunting. Lunch is either at the lodge or in the veld at the warmest time of day. In the afternoon, it’s back to hunting until it is dark. Dinner is served around 7 pm.
Make sure to bring at least a few sets of camouflage shirts, and comfortable shoes/boots that are appropriate for hunting in the Bushveld. During June- August make sure to pack a thick jacket, gloves and a beanie. Always have sunblock and a hat.
Make sure to pack your binoculars and your personal camera/cell phone.
You can either rent a rifle from ABS or bring your own. If you prefer your own, it’s recommended to bring a rifle with a sling. Your PH will provide you with shooting sticks if you do not want to travel with a personal one.
Plains game requires a calibre in the following range: .243 .270 .308 and any of the .300 Magnum Calibres.
Dangerous game requires a minimum of .375 H&H with well constructed bullets. ABS recommends Barns X 300gr+
You are welcome to rent a rifle directly from African Barefoot Safaris or you can import your own rifle.
To import your personal rifle click here
